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Frances August - Maximilien Delafontaine "Heron with Snake" ormolu candelabra

About the Item

Amazing and very refined two-light 19th-century candlestick by Frenchman August-Maximilien Delafontaine (1813-1892). In the center, the figure of a heron gracefully holds a serpent in one of its legs, while resting on a turtle with the other. The circular base is adorned with a frieze of stylized scrolls. The bobeches are decorated with vine leaves. Every detail is meticulously treated by the artisan, resulting in a unique piece that beautifies and distinguishes any room in the home. You can appreciate the technique used by August-Maximilien, bronze doré, also known as ormolu. About the Delafontaine Family At the end of the 18th century, Jean-Baptiste-Maximilien Delafontaine (1750-1820) founded the Delafontaine Bronze Factory; his grandson, August-Maximilien, continued the family business until the end of the 19th century. The Delafontaine Factory enjoyed great popularity and became one of the leading producers of decorative bronze art. Style and Period: Napoleon III or Second Empire The Napoleon III or Second Empire style is named after the style that emerged in France at that time. Strictly speaking, the Second Empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French, although in the artistic sense it extended for a few years longer (until 1880). This style was very popular among the French bourgeoisie. The Emperor himself was involved in the artistic development of the time, although more closely linked to architecture. However, it is Empress Eugénie who is responsible for the evolution of the decorative arts. Although inspired by styles of the past, beginning with Classical Antiquity, the Renaissance, and even Louis XVI, much beloved by Eugénie, the style's most representative characteristic is its sumptuousness and ostentation, always aspiring to display wealth and opulence. It is not a style designed specifically for the Second Empire, but rather a revival of the various great French styles of previous centuries, a sort of compilation of French decorative trends. Special reference is made to Louis XIV, Louis XV, Baroque, and Rococo, and gradually to the eclectic Louis XVI. In short, these are the decorative styles that had positioned France at the forefront of interior and furniture design in Europe, both for quality and for originality and beauty. Technical Data Material: Gilt bronze, ormolu Maker: August-Maximilian Delafontaine Style: Napoleon III Period: 19th century Country of origin: France Good condition commensurate with age and use Overall dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 8.5 cm
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.27 in (21 cm)Width: 7.49 in (19 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)
  • Style:
    Napoleon III (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1860
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Valladolid, ES
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2943344929672

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